Harry O’Farrell on the moment his AFL Draft year became real, hopes for 2024

Not many Aussie rules footballers get to wear the green and gold and holding the Academy guernsey made Harry O’Farrell’s AFL Draft dream feel very real.

Harry O'Farrell in action for the AFL Academy against Coburg.

When does it become real for an AFL Draft prospect?

For Harry O’Farrell is was last Friday night when he was handed his AFL Academy guernsey.

Seeing the Australian emblem and the iconic green and gold.

The Maribyrnong Park talent was selected as one of the best 22 draft-eligible players in the nation to play against VFL club Coburg on Saturday.

Running out, along with Calder Cannons teammate Jordan Nyugen, was a special experience.

“Just pulling the jumper on on the Friday night, seeing the Australian emblem was pretty cool.

Harry O'Farrell receives his AFL Academy guernsey from Richmond’s Jacob Hopper and academy coach Tarkyn Lockyer.

“That’s probably when I realised (I could be drafted), which was awesome.

“(Jordan) got the call about 6pm the night before.

“We were texting and he was pretty pumped up so it was awesome to run out with him and get a few one-twos in the backline.”

O’Farrell finished with 11 disposals and five marks, as well as several well-timed spoils.

It was the 196cm key position prospects first real match against mature bodies and he hopes to get a second opportunity to pull on the national colours against Footscray later this month.

He believes the experience will hold him in good stead for the rest of the season.

“I’ve never played senior footy before, so I just had to play off them a bit, I don’t have the frame,” he said.

“I thought I was pretty good in some parts but had things to work on in some parts but it was definitely a good experience.

“It’s been a pretty rapid start to the year, a good couple of wins at Cannons and then obviously going into the game on the weekend.

“I thought I was pretty well prepared and it was a good experience going against big bodies.”

O’Farrell played the opening two Coates League matches.

Harry O'Farrell in action for Vic Metro at the Under-16 National Championships in 2022.

After a quiet 10-disposal performance against Sandringham Dragons, he showed his class against Western Jets, tallying 13 disposals and five marks in a 10-point win.

He’ll now embark on the APS school football season with St Kevin’s, beginning with a blockbuster against Xavier.

Showcasing his ability at both ends of the ground and building his body are major goals for the season.

“I just want to work on some of my weaknesses and build on my strengths,” O’Farrell said.

“Mainly it’s just putting on size and competing with those bigger bodies.

“I can do that with the experience of playing with the academy.

“My aerial ability is a strength, being able to leap and mark and intercept awareness, knowing where to position myself.”

A Carlton supporter but O’Farrell is modelling his game on a surprising choice.

“This might be a bit rogue but Harry Himmelberg (at GWS),” he said.

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“He can play both ends of the ground well, forward and back, and being able to do that is pretty important.

“I’ll be playing a fair bit forward for school, I’ve switched around through the years, so whatever suits I suppose.”

St Kevin’s hosts Xavier on Saturday.

Calder Cannons has the next fortnight off before returning to action against Geelong Falcons on May 5 at Werribee.